Bangladesh
Students draw on small chalkboards on the floor of the Sangoil School, which CRS has been supporting through Caritas Bangladesh since 2003. Photo by David Snyder for CRS
Located on the Bay of Bengal and crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers, Bangladesh bears the brunt of severe weather during its rainy season. When cyclones hit, villagers in coastal areas must struggle against powerful winds and neck-high, surging water to reach safety.
Through its local partner, Caritas Bangladesh, CRS responds to these emergencies with lifesaving aid. CRS helps survivors start over after storms, rebuilding homes and replacing lost assets such as rickshaws or cows so that people can earn a living. CRS-supported Disaster Risk Reduction programs prepare villagers to save their families and assets during future storms.
CRS also funds educational programs for disadvantaged Bangladeshi children, including those from tribal communities.
CRS' Commitment to Catholic Teaching
Latest Stories From Bangladesh
View all stories »»
Bangladesh Cyclone Survivors Rebuild
Super Cyclone Sidr hit coastal villages, costing Bangladeshis everything but their lives. With aid from CRS, they are starting over. »»
Where There's No Tap to Turn On
A photo gallery highlighting global water problems and CRS' solutions to provide more access to safe water for millions of people. »»
Improving Education in Bangladesh
CRS works to advance education in Bangladesh by increasing children's access to education. »»
Stats
| Population: | 156,050,883 (July 2009 est.) |
| Size: | 55,813 sq mi; about the size of Wisconsin |
| People Served: | 3,322,963 (2011 est.) |
History
CRS has been providing humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971. CRS began by assisting refugees and then gradually moved to education and emergency response activities. CRS reaches out to Bangladesh's most vulnerable people, especially in isolated areas.
